Napa-led Roosters finally breakthrough for first win

by jspasaro

Josh Spasaro
Sports Journalist

I spent four years in country newspapers before taking on a dream role of covering national and international sports news across the entire APN network, in early 2012.
I learnt my trade in Kingaroy, Queanbeyan and Lismore doing it all – design, photography and headline writing.
I am now the envy of all my friends and family members, now that I have the privilege of covering Origin, Bledisloe Cups, footy grand finals and other top international sporting events.
Yes, I wouldn’t trade this job for...

THE Sydney Roosters, led by some brutal charges in attack and defence by wrecking ball Dylan Napa, have snapped a five-game losing streak, with a 17-10 win over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Napa took it upon himself to turn around the Roosters' worst start to a season in 50 years, by coming up with some huge first-half hits in defence, arguably none better than when he levelled front-row opposite Sam Burgess in the 32nd minute.

While Napa's stinging tackles were a constant feature of the first stanza, the Roosters' first try was a surprise one, going against the play after a dominant start by the Rabbitohs.

In the 12th minute, Roosters hooker Jake Friend made a bust out of dummy-half and found Mitchell Aubusson in support, before a pinpoint cross-field kick from young halfback Jackson Hastings saw winger Daniel Tupou score out wide.

The Roosters then took a 10-0 lead after a huge shot from Napa on Rabbitohs second-rower Chris Grevsmuhl forced the ball free.

Napa then showed some brilliance with the ball, offloading to Friend, before the No.9 found a straight-running Aidan Guerra to crash over near the posts.

The Bunnies bounced back with a try to winger Aaron Gray in the 36th minute, courtesy of a lovely pass from Luke Keary, which was tipped on beautifully by Hymel Hunt.

But the night belonged to Napa, who was in everything, including scoring a try of his own in the 47th minute, chasing through to dive on a brilliant chip by Hastings, giving his team a 16-4 lead.